JP2002535214A - Hermetically closed closure - Google Patents

Abstract

A closed injection moulded plastic closure ( 20 ) having a first closure part and a second closure part ( 22 ). The first closure part is connected to the second closure part by snap-on hinged connection. The first and second closure parts have no main hinged connection with each other, but are connected to one another by two connecting elements and four hinged connections bordering the two connecting elements on nonadjacent sides. Coupling elements may serve as an original warranty seal for indicating opening for the first time. If required, a catch and a counter-element serve as a locking mechanism and prevent unintentional opening of the closure.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a hermetically closed closure according to the preamble of independent claim 1.

Various plastic closures with snap hinges are known from the prior art. Due to their function, these plastic closures are usually manufactured in an open position for technical reasons. However, for cost reasons, attempts have been made to inject such closures in a closed state, in particular in order to avoid the so-called shielding process, and in particular to reduce tooling and production costs. Hermetically injected closures are advantageous because they are less expensive, allow for easier tools, and provide the opportunity to incorporate an original warranty seal without substantial cost increase. An example of a suitable original security seal is a strip or weak point in the form of a thin bonded web. This strip or thin spot must be removed or consciously destroyed upon initial opening. In particular, in the case of foods, medicines or infant products, legislators have increasingly stringent requirements for product safety, which has further increased interest in suitable closures with originality assurance seals.

[0003] The prior art discloses individual closures which are hermetically injected together, but do not show a satisfactory functional method. Primarily due to too small opening angles, poor quality snapping effects and poor sealing, these closures cannot penetrate the market. In the open position, such a movable closure part is in an unfavorable position, so that the movable part always again unavoidably comes into contact with the filling and is thereby contaminated. Furthermore, the closure part is close to the spout opening, so that said part visually blocks the spout opening. Furthermore, this closure is problematic in terms of injection molding technology. Asymmetric flow paths, disadvantageous placement of film hinges, and cooling issues are just a few of the problems. These disadvantages are system dependent and cannot be eliminated. In particular, the main hinge connection between the closure parts, which forces a rotational movement on the closure part and limits the sealing movement, is problematic and particularly disadvantageous.

[0004] For example, EP 0 532 471 shows a closure with the disadvantages mentioned above. The closure lower part is connected to the movable closure upper part via a main hinge connection part and two laterally disposed fixed bands. Hinge joints and fixing bands are removable on one side and on both sides (outside and inside)
Must be arranged so that it can be handled from Due to the essential main hinge connection, the closure parts must be arranged very close to each other,
This has a negative effect on the open state. Furthermore, because of the ease of handling of the hinge area required for manufacturing, the fixing band cannot be formed into an arbitrary shape,
The angle between the open and closed positions must be in the range of 80 ° or less. Furthermore, the closure top in the open position is at any position that is bad and unstable with respect to the spout. A snap effect that is too small and an absolutely unfavorable position of the closure upper relative to the closure lower in the open position hinders important functions. Problems with the flow path and poor design are additional weaknesses. In addition, due to the main hinge connection, the closure part moves on a circular path and is therefore subject to significant restrictions with regard to spatial arrangement.

The above disadvantages cannot be eliminated with conventional closures known from the prior art.

[0006] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a hermetically-injected closure without the disadvantages known from the prior art and with an adjustable large opening angle and a distinct snap effect. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a closure in which the movable closure part can be removed from the outlet area of the spout and arranged in an open position. In addition, closures should provide child and transport safety measures, if desired, and provide a good seal even with gas-filled packing.

[0007] The above object is solved by the present invention as defined in the claims.

The invention disclosed in the present application avoids the bottlenecks suffered by prior art structures by properly avoiding the main hinge joint between the closure portions. The movable closure part is located outside the area of the spout or opening. This prevents dirt and visual and functional interruption of the movable closure part by the filling. The snap effect is adjusted and pre-defined appropriately and in accordance with the requirements. Furthermore, the absence of the main hinge makes it possible for the first time to realize a clearly symmetrical flow path by means of a hermetically closed closure in the hinge area. As a result, problems such as material reflux and weld marks do not appear.

In addition, the connection without the main hinge achieves that the closure parts no longer move with respect to each other on a circular orbit. The spatial trajectory curve, rather, corresponds to an adjustable travel path adapted to the respective requirements. High spouts and other obstacles are properly overcome. The present invention contemplates that hermetically-injected closures can be manufactured with good design, with or without original warranty seals, while avoiding the known disadvantages. If desired in a specific example, safety measures for children and transport safety measures as well as special seals in the case of fillings with gas pressure can be provided.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the following drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a hermetically closed closure 1 as known from the prior art. A closure lower part 2 and a movable closure upper part 3 are shown. The closure lower part 3 is connected to the closure lower part 2 via a conventional snap hinge 4. The snap hinge 4 comprises a main hinge connection 5 and two fixing bands 6.1, 6
. 2 (only the fixing band 6.1 is visible due to the viewing direction), each fixing band joining the closure lower part 2 and the closure upper part 3, and is usually arranged on the side of the main hinge joint part 5. I have. Instead of fixing bands 6.1, 6.2, other components, such as toggle links, are also known, but these components are used in practice in closed injection closures due to various disadvantages. Absent. The main hinge connection 5 forms a direct hinge connection with only one hinge axis between the closure lower part 2 and the closure upper part 3. This hinge axis of the main hinge connection 5 is located parallel to the viewing direction in the drawing shown here. Due to the main hinge connection 5 with the hinge axis, all parts rotate relative to each other on a circular orbit. In order to be able to manufacture the closure 1 in the closed position of the closure upper part 3, the main hinge connection 5 and the fixing band 6.
1, 6.2, in particular their joints, so that they can be handled from inside the closure (arrow 10) and outside the closure (arrow 11) in the injection mold (not shown in detail). 3 must be installed.
In this case, in particular, the main hinge cannot be formed with excellent quality. Due to this fact, the function (snap effect) and arrangement (open position) of the upper part of the closure are significantly limited and insufficient with closures known from the prior art. A typical open position of the closure top 3 is indicated by the closure top 7. The open position of the fixing band 6 is indicated by the fixing bands 8.1, 8.2 (only one is visible). Due to the unavoidable main hinge connection 5 in this closure concept, the closure 1 shown in this figure has a small opening angle of about 80 ° and the snap effect is poor.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a hermetically closed closure 20 according to the present invention disclosed in the present application. The closure 20 comprises a closure lower part 21 and a closure upper part 22, the upper part of the closure being shown in a closed position in which its manufacture is also performed. According to the present invention, the closure 20 shown here (different from the prior art) does not include a main hinge connection (see FIG. 1) between the closure portions 21 and 22. The closure parts 21 and 22 are preferably two parts 23.1 and 2 which are preferably symmetrically formed.
3.2 Only one member 23.1 is visible due to the viewing direction) and the four hinge connections 24.1, 24.2, 25.1, 25.2, but rather the operative connection (wirkverbunden). ) Is done. Two hinge connections 24. 1, 25.
1 or 24.2, 25.2 abut against the member 23.1 or 23.2 on sides which are not adjacent to each other and connect the member to the closure part 21 or 22. The hinge joints 24.1 and 25.1 or 24.2 and 25.2 each have an angle Φ
(See also FIG. 3) are formed together. Hinge joints 24.1 and 25.1 or 24
. 2 and 25.2 (not shown in detail) form an angle ω. The variation of the angles ω and Φ, and their ratio to each other, determines the snap effect of the closure and the opening angle α. The relationship between the opening angle α and the angles ω and Φ is given by:

(Equation 2)

In order for the closure 20 to be able to be manufactured in the closed position, the members 23.1 and 23.2 and the hinge joints 24.1, 24.2, 25.1, 25.2 are located inside the closure (arrow 27). From the outside and from the outside of the closure (arrow 28), and arrange them so that they are removable. For this purpose, the connecting elements 23.1, 23.2 and the corresponding hinge connection are arranged on a surface inclined with respect to the sealing axis. For closures, EP 0746512, PCT /
EP 96/2780 or commonly assigned patent application PCT / IB99 / 00277
Is preferred, and its contents regarding details for forming the hinge are indicated as a whole. A hinge according to PCT / EP96 / 2780 is particularly advantageous in the case of a closure with a curved profile, in which the coupling members 23.1, 23.3 are provided with corresponding curves or bends by virtue of their profile integration. I mean,
This is because the elastic stretching of the tensioned long edge 46 (see FIG. 3) provides the desired snap action.

A typical open position of the closure top 22 is indicated by a closure top 29. Member 23.1 or 23.2 and hinge connection 25.1 or 25
. 2 correspond to the members 30.1 or 30.2 and the hinge connection 3
1.1 or 31.2. By avoiding the main hinge connection between the closure parts 21 and 22, the closure upper part 22 is opened so that an optimum and optionally predefinable opening angle and an adjustable snap effect are obtained. Position (closure upper part 29). The pre-defined opening angle is preferably in the range from 150 ° to 180 °, but at the same time can be adapted to other requirements. By comparing the closures shown in FIG. 1 (prior art) and FIG. 2 (invention), the outstanding importance of the invention disclosed for hermetically manufactured closures will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a closure 20 according to the present invention. A closure lower part 21 and a closure upper part 22 are shown. These are two members 23
. 1 and 23.2 and the four hinge joints 24.1, 24.2 or 25.1, 25.2 that touch them. Hinge joint 24.1
And 25.1 or 24.2 and 25.2 together bias surface 31 or 32, respectively, to form an angle Φ with each other. The edge 45 located near the tip of the angle Φ is preferably formed essentially resistant to pressure. Furthermore, the faces 31 and 32 spatially form an angle ω with each other. The faces 31 and 32 are tilted with respect to the sealing axis so that they are further away from the sealing axis in the region of the lower joint (lower closure 21) than in the region of the upper joint (upper closure 22). . This allows the closure to be removed while simultaneously allowing the desired hinge formation. In the embodiment shown, the coupling members 23.1, 23.2 are provided with surfaces 31 and 32.
With a corresponding acute angle ω (<180 °) between the convex shell of the closure. In another embodiment having a concave shell, an obtuse angle (> 180 °) is formed between both surfaces 31,32. Hinge connection 24.1, 24.2 or 25.1
, 25.2, it is preferable to target a film hinge as best known from the prior art. At the same time, the desired bending area can be formed in different ways. The closure 20 is manufactured in the closed position shown in this figure, preferably by injection molding. In this embodiment, the closure parts 21, 22 and 23.1, 23.2 and the hinge connection parts 24.1, 24.2, 25.1, 2
5.2 are functionally separated from one another by peripheral gaps 33-38, so that the upper movable closure 22 can occupy at least two spatially defined and stable positions relative to the lower closure 21. . Between these stable positions, an unstable condition (dead center) exists, so that the closure top 22 seeks itself a stable position adjacent to it, thereby providing a snap effect. In certain stable positions, especially in the closed position of the closure 20 shown in this figure, the closure parts 21, 22, 23.1, 23.2, 24.1, 24.2, 25.1, 25.2.
Is in a state where almost no stress is applied (shape deformation). The stable position where the stress is not applied may be a stable position where the stress is applied. In this position, the members 23.1 and 23.2 as well as the hinge joints 24.1, 24.
2, 25.1, 25.2 typically experience torsion and the secondary stresses caused thereby. The members 23.1 and 23.2 are preferably formed along the shorter free edges 45.1 or 45.2 so that they do not bend under the resulting pressure load. The longer free edges 46.1 or 46.2 are suitably formed such that they extend elastically and reversibly under the tensile stresses that occur. This can be achieved, for example, by spatial bending or specific material selection. The closure parts 21 and 22 advantageously have a certain degree of elasticity, so that they are elastically and reversibly deformed as required under the resulting load.
The members 23.1 and 23.2 are advantageously formed such that they are deformed under control due to the generated torsional forces. Via the torsional rigidity of the members 23.1, 23.2, the alignment between the closure parts 21 and 22 is adjustable. Thus, the desired snap force can be achieved individually or in combination with each other by the closure part or by the coupling member. Due to the low torsional stiffness of the members 23.1 and 23.2, it is possible to achieve an intermediate state in which the closure parts are mutually stable but occupy an unstressed position. Closures having a plurality of open positions are thus feasible.

The closure parts are separated from one another by gaps 33-38, so that the closure 20 can be opened and closed. The gaps 33 to 38 are formed so that they can be optimally handled in terms of tooling and are removable. There is a member 39 in the gap 33 of the embodiment shown in this figure. This member also couples the closure parts 21 and 22 together. The member 39 is formed to be used as required as a defined breaking point to be broken when the closure is first opened. Member 39 may also be formed as a surrounding membrane-like defined break point surrounding one or more desired portions. This allows the user to check whether the closure has already been opened once before the purchase (quality, originality guarantee seal). In addition, the member 39 is used as a safety device to prevent unintentional opening during transport, since the increased force must be overcome when first opened. In addition to the above, in addition, the member 39 is used as a flow aid in manufacturing the closure 20 to achieve better spout fill. Instead of the member 39, other equivalent means (not shown in detail), for example in the form of a strip, are also conceivable, which must be removed by tearing off before first opening. Further integration of functions is not hindered. The course of the gaps 33 to 38 is almost freely selectable, so long as there is no impediment to the function of the closure and the manufacturability. The closure parts 21 and 22 are preferably integrated into the outer shell of the members 23.1 and 23.2. Thus, unlike the conventional technology, the present invention disclosed in the present application has almost no design limitations. In this figure, the members 23.1 and 23.2 are fitted and integrated into the outer shell of the closure. Of course, these members can take other shapes or be formed flat. If necessary, these members can be provided with a mutual connection. An advantageous connection can be realized, for example, in the form of a separate (straight) hinge connection, in the case of plastic in the form of a film hinge.

FIG. 4 is a perspective sectional view in the open position of the closure according to FIG. In this figure, the closure 20 is fixed by pressing it over the bin 50. In this figure, the closure upper 22 is in a stable open position turned 180 ° rearward, so that the spout opening 51 is opened to pour out the filling contained in the bottle 50. The closure upper part 22 is obliquely above the closure lower part 21 in the embodiment shown in the figure, so that the closure upper part does not impede the pouring and does not visually cover the spout 51. Due to the length of the main hinge connection and the connection members 23.1, 23.2 avoided according to the invention, it is possible to move the closure upper part 22 to the position of the spout in the closed injection closure 20. is there. In the case of closures known from the prior art, the top of the closure usually hinders pouring. The member 39 in this figure was destroyed when the closure 20 was intentionally opened. Thus, the rest of the member 39 is present in the closure lower part 21 as well as in the closure upper part 22. This assures the user that the closure 20 has been opened at least once. Closure portions 21, 22, 23.1, 23.2, 24.1, 24.
2, 25.1 and 25.2 are advantageously substantially free of stress in the open position of the closure 20 shown in this figure. This means that the closure parts 21, 2
2, 23.1, 23.2 (hinge joints 24.1, 24.2, 25.1, 25.
(Up to 2) does not yield to deformation. Inside the closure 20,
Preferably in the region of the members 23.1 and 23.2, the closure parts 21, 22, 2
In 3.1, 23.2 there are means 52 for partial reinforcement of the closure parts 21, 22, 23.1, 23.2. This properly interferes with the snap behavior and functionality of the closure 20. As means 52 for reinforcing the closure part, preferably ribs, thickenings or other equivalent means are used.

Inside the closure top 22, a tubular member 53 with an edge 55 thickened by a ridge 54 can be seen in the figure. The member 53 or the ridge 54 corresponds to the spout 51 of the bottle 50 or the adapter piece between the bottle and the closure in the closed position of the closure 20, so that the bottle and the closure are tightly closed. The spouts 51 operatively associated with the members 53, the ridges 54 and the closure 20 in the closed position are advantageously formed such that the sealing action is adapted in proportion to the internal pressure of the bottle 50. This can be achieved, for example, because the shape of the tubular member 53 causes the edge 55 or the ridge 54 to expand in proportion to the internal pressure to be larger than the diameter of the spout 51. As a result, the edge 55 is more strongly pressed against the inner wall 56 of the spout 51 with an increase in the internal pressure, whereby the sealing action is enhanced. Inside the closure upper part 22 is a working member 57. In the closed position of the closure 20, the working member 57 is operatively connected to the opposing member and, in this case, the outer rim 58 of the bottle 50, by the working member gripping the lower part of the outer rim 58, in this way for example during transport. Alternatively, the unintended opening of the closure 20 when the internal pressure is high is prevented. The locking mechanism can be temporarily removed in this figure by pushing laterally over the closure top 22 in the directions of arrows 59 and 60. Pushing sideways results in deformation of the top of the closure, which results in latch 57
, The operative connection with the outer edge 58 is temporarily released. Closure 20
Can be opened in this way. The locking mechanism shown in this figure is also particularly well-suited for the quality in the form of a strip (not shown in detail) or in combination with an original guarantee seal. Of course, it is also conceivable to use one or more latches 57 or to place the latches elsewhere. The working area of the pressure must be adapted accordingly. Thus, the closure according to the invention can be used even at high internal pressures.

FIG. 5 shows a closure 1 preferably mounted on a container 12.
14 shows another embodiment of the present invention. The closure includes a first fixed closure portion 62 and a second movable closure 63. The container 12 can have a complete opening in the area of its upper end 67, essentially covering its entire cross section, or it can have a smaller opening in the area of the movable closure part 63, The smaller opening is released as soon as the movable closure part 63 is opened. In the region of the transition 68 of both closure parts, two coupling members 23.1, 23.2 are provided which form a hinge connection between both closure parts. Unlike the closures described above, the coupling member is not arranged on the sloped side of the closure but rather on the upper side of the closure (relative to the closed shaft). The shape of both connecting members 23.1, 23.2 is preferably designed such that a snap movement of about 90 ° or 180 ° of the movable closure part is performed, in which case the desired opening angle α is To achieve this, the equations described above in connection with FIG. 2 are utilized. Naturally, the hinge connection 24.1,
By correspondingly changing 25.1 or 24.2, 25.2, an intermediate angle can be obtained. The avoidance according to the invention of the main hinge in combination with the mutual arrangement of the closure parts allows such a closure with a large opening angle α.

The outer shape of the closure can have a convex shape as shown in this figure. Correspondingly, it is possible at the same time to realize closures in which the coupling member is arranged in the recess, or closures whose outer shape is essentially concave. The arrangement of the hinge connection in the upper region of the closure is, for example, possible for both closure parts 62, 63
A particularly suitable hinge, as well as the achievement of an original assurance seal, is provided by including a defined break point joint or joint area that is not separated continuously during the initial opening but breaks upon initial opening. Enables the intended specified breaking point. According to the present invention,
The coupling members 23.1, 23.2 can be completely incorporated into the closure profile, so that multiple closure designs are possible. For example, the movable closure portion can be formed smaller and surrounded by a fixed closure portion, such that opening of the movable closure portion results in the opening of the closure itself, and the container can be of the example shown in this figure. Unlike the case, it is not released along the upper edge of the container (butt bumps, welds, etc.). Such a configuration of the movable closure part is particularly advantageous if the covering part and the container have to provide a security seal which is not allowed to separate from each other in any position.

In a special embodiment, it is possible to provide two or more coupling members 23.1, 23.2, in which case the provision of further coupling members must assist in the closing movement. The coupling member may allow additional hinge movement according to the solution according to EP 0746512.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a closure according to the prior art.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a closure according to the present invention disclosed in the present application.

FIG. 3 is a preferred embodiment of a closure according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a closure in the open position according to FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a hermetically closed closure having a hinged connection disposed thereon.

[Procedural Amendment] Submission of translation of Article 34 Amendment of the Patent Cooperation Treaty

[Submission date] November 30, 2000 (2000.11.30)

[Procedure amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] Claims

[Correction method] Change

[Contents of correction]

[Claims]

(Equation 1) A closed injection molded closure (20) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that:

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of front page (81) Designated country EP (AT, BE, CH, CY, DE, DK, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, IE, IT, LU, MC, NL, PT, SE ), OA (BF, BJ, CF, CG, CI, CM, GA, GN, GW, ML, MR, NE, SN, TD, TG), AP (GH, GM, KE, LS, MW, SD, SL, SZ, TZ, UG, ZW), EA (AM, AZ, BY, KG, KZ, MD, RU, TJ, TM), AE, AL, AM, AT, AU, AZ, BA, BB, BG, BR, BY, CA, CH, CN, CR, CU, CZ, DE, DK, DM, EE, ES, FI, GB, GD, GE, GH, GM, HR, HU, ID , IL, IN, IS, JP, KE, KG, KP, KR, KZ, LC, LK, LR, LS, LT, LU, LV, MD, MG, MK, MN, MW, MX, NO, NZ, PL, PT, RO, RU, SD, SE, SG, SI, SK, SL, TJ, TM, TR, TT, UA, UG, US, UZ, VN, YU, ZA, ZW

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. A hermetically sealed injection having a first closure portion (21, 62), a second closure portion (22, 63), and a hinge connection for operatively coupling the first and second closure portions. In the closure (20), the closure part (21, 22, 62, 63) does not have a mutual main hinge connection and the closure part (21, 22, 62, 63) has at least two connection members ( 23.1
, 23.2), are connected to each other via two hinge connections (24.1, 24.2, 25.1, 25.2), respectively, which contact the connecting members on non-adjacent sides. 23.2, 23.2), each of which has two hinge joints (24.1, 25.1, 24.2, 25.2) at an angle (Φ) to each other and a plane (31, 32). Are urged by two hinge connections (24.1, 25.1, 24.2, 25.2), respectively, which contact the connection members (23.2, 23.2) so that the angle (ω) is A closure characterized by forming. 2. The movable closure part (22) comprises a fixed closure part (22).
The hermetically injected plastic closure (20) according to claim 1, characterized in that it has at least two stable positions with respect to (21). 3. The closure part (21, 22, 23.1, 23.2, 6).
3. A hermetically injected plastic closure (20) according to claim 2, characterized in that the open, closed state shows no geometric deformation with respect to the fired state.
. 4. The closure part (21, 22, 23.1, 23.2, 6)
Sealed injected plastic closure (20) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the two (2, 63) are functionally separated from one another by gaps (33-38). 5. At least one of said gaps (33-38, 68) comprises a member (
39), wherein the member is a closure part (21, 22, 23.1, 23.2, 6).
The hermetically injected plastic closure (20) according to claim 4, characterized in that the closures (2, 63) are joined together and are broken when the closure (20) is first opened. 6. The closure part (21, 22, 23.1, 23.2, 6).
6. The hermetically injected plastic closure (20) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the two, 63) are joined to each other by a strip which is removed before the first opening. . 7. The first closure portion (22, 62) comprises a closure (22, 62).
In the closed position of (20), the working element (5) is in operative connection with the counterpart (58)
7. A hermetically injected plastic closure (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises an actuating member (7), which prevents unintentional opening of the closure (1, 20). ). 8. The closure (20) comprises a first closure portion (22,
The hermetically injected plastic closure (20) according to claim 7, characterized in that it is opened by pushing (62) laterally. 9. The relationship between the opening angle (α) of the closure (20) and the angles (ω) and (Φ) is as follows: A hermetically injected plastic closure (20) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that: 10. The first closure part (62) is adjacent to the second closure part (63), and both closure parts (62, 63) are operatively connected to the container (12), and at least one closure is provided. A hermetically sealed plastic closure according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the part (63) is in a releasable operative connection with the container. 11. Sealed injection according to claim 1, wherein the coupling members (23.1, 23.2) are arranged in a recessed area of the closure contour. Plastic closure.